Pre-Launch — Verification Hold
MT-MECA-INFANT-TODDLER-CAPACITY-2026
Montana MECA Infant and Toddler Capacity Expansion Grant — 2026 Pre-Launch
FundingUp to $1,000,000 in approved SFY 2027 program funding; current program document sets a maximum award of $10,000 per provider.
DeadlinePRE-LAUNCH / VERIFICATION HOLD. August draft timeline proposed September 25, 2026 at 8:00 AM through October 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM, but the September 17 Board agenda includes consideration of amending the application window. Final deadline and controlling time zone not yet verified.
Last verifiedSeptember 18, 2026
Required next actionSeptember 18 verification: the official MECA page still has not posted minutes for the September 17 Board meeting. The posted September 17 agenda confirms the Board considered and voted on amending the grant application window, but the adopted window is not yet publicly documented. Same-day evaluation-plan materials confirm the Infant and Toddler Expansion Grant remains active in development but do not establish a final application window. Keep in pre-launch verification hold. Recheck for posted minutes, final Submittable application, adopted opening/closing times and time zone, licensing or intent-to-license documentation, required uploads, review rules, final allowable costs, registrations, and reporting requirements before publication or outreach.
Broad Eligibility
Current program document includes licensed child-care providers expanding infant/toddler capacity, existing providers converting classrooms, new child-care programs establishing infant/toddler services, and non-licensed infant/toddler providers that document intent to become state licensed.
Atlas Analysis
Preliminary Atlas relevance 78/100 for pediatric/early-childhood capacity and safety infrastructure. N9+ Fit 0/100 and Dr. Miltie direct-applicant fit 0/100 because current allowable assets are child-care setup and safety items rather than clinical examination technology. Publication and outreach are blocked pending final application timing and controls.
Pre-launch Montana Early Childhood Account quality-incentive grant to expand licensed infant and toddler care capacity. The current Board-approved concept provides first-come, first-served awards of up to $10,000 per provider for asset investments needed to establish or expand infant/toddler care, including cribs, diapering and feeding equipment, safety items, storage, air purifiers, and other setup materials.
The September 17, 2026 MECA budget report confirms up to $1 million is approved for the Infant Toddler Incentive in SFY 2027.
Verification hold: the August draft timeline proposed an application window beginning September 25, 2026 at 8:00 AM and ending October 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM, but the September 17 Board agenda includes consideration of amending the grant application window. Final timing, time zone, application questions, and submission controls must be reverified before publication or outreach.
Source verificationOfficial government source · dphhs.mt.govAtlas last verified this record September 18, 2026. Always use the funder's current application materials, amendments and portal instructions as the controlling source.View source and application materials ↗
